No, not a Blue Thunder revival, rather an aircraft in the service of the Los Angeles Police Department. :police:
Hmm, intriguing... look forward to seeing this gem.
I live in Los Angeles and recently realized that we probably have more helicopters in the air at any one time than most cities. There's usually 1 or 2 News choppers keeping them company.
Quote from: frank2056 on February 17, 2021, 07:56:07 PM
I live in Los Angeles and recently realized that we probably have more helicopters in the air at any one time than most cities. There's usually 1 or 2 News choppers keeping them company.
Naturally, they want to be on top of things if a Story kicks off.
So... no sign of a Blue Thunder anywhere around? Although she's pretty old hat by now, the modern iteration probably has everything hidden behind various panels for a semblance of stealth and plausible deniability...
Quote from: frank2056 on February 17, 2021, 07:56:07 PM
I live in Los Angeles and recently realized that we probably have more helicopters in the air at any one time than most cities. There's usually 1 or 2 News choppers keeping them company.
That's no wonder, the LAPD has probably the biggest "air fleet" of any police institution, and they have a separate "airport" for their fleet, too, the Hooper Heliport, located on the roof of the C. Erwin Piper Technical Center. BTW, it's the world's largest rooftop airport, and it starred in Blue Thunder - eben though it was still under construction at the time the film was made. And the LAPD also operates fixed-wing aircraft - even though the choice of the LAPD as an operator for my first entry is rather incidentially based upon a decal sheet from an Italeri Jet Ranger that a friend gave me some time ago. Now the markings will find a good use. :lol:
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on February 17, 2021, 11:33:09 PM
Quote from: frank2056 on February 17, 2021, 07:56:07 PM
I live in Los Angeles and recently realized that we probably have more helicopters in the air at any one time than most cities. There's usually 1 or 2 News choppers keeping them company.
That's no wonder, the LAPD has probably the biggest "air fleet" of any police institution, and they have a separate "airport" for their fleet, too, the Hooper Heliport, located on the roof of the C. Erwin Piper Technical Center. BTW, it's the world's largest rooftop airport, and it starred in Blue Thunder - eben though it was still under construction at the time the film was made. And the LAPD also operates fixed-wing aircraft - even though the choice of the LAPD as an operator for my first entry is rather incidentially based upon a decal sheet from an Italeri Jet Ranger that a friend gave me some time ago. Now the markings will find a good use. :lol:
I hadn't known that about the LAPD, though it makes sense in terms of the massive area they have to cover...
An Edgeley Optica, perhaps? Or even one of these:- https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=47918.msg884015#msg884015 (https://www.whatifmodellers.com/index.php?topic=47918.msg884015#msg884015)
I'm thinking Kiowa
Well, there have been hints in another thread... ;)
Quote from: Rheged on February 18, 2021, 02:41:12 AM
An Edgeley Optica, perhaps?
That was my thought. Or something along those lines.
More conservative, yet suitable and with a twist (rooted in the real world, though!) ;)
From what I can gather from another thread it's a Cessna 336 :thumbsup:
Here in Australia the Victoria police air wing used to use a 337 for highway patrol work, don't know if they still do.
Keen eye. ;D And now I just add "Pelican"...
Nothing happened here yet (just finishing pictures from my latest build, non-GB), but I remembered that I had an aftermarket Shorts Tucano resin prop stashed away... a useful donor part for what I have in mind! :lol:
Work about to start soon. :mellow:
I've crate some images for FSX of Kiowa, Sea Stallion and Grumman Mohawk of LAPD, for example
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50992629812_57d3c78e13_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kG3yhC)thumbnail (https://flic.kr/p/2kG3yhC) by ilmib (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93154862@N08/), su Flickr
Do u even thinking about...Edgley Optica o Rockwell Bronco?
Pretty, but I will go for something smaller and more economical.
Mumble mumble.....maybe Optica or Cessna 150 or Piper Cub or Diamond ULM?
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on February 19, 2021, 03:50:26 AM
Keen eye. ;D And now I just add "Pelican"...
336 WIG :unsure:
After day #1, things got already pretty far. First of all, an overall look at the main ingredients:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50994981683_e154fa54fc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGfBq8)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGfBq8) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The Arii kit is from 1986 and basically s simple affair, but it has some flaws like flashes, some sinkholes and a confusing landing gear with spats instead of a (typically) retractable arrangement. I am not certain if I will go with the OOB parts or go for different wheels? There's also a resin four blade prop for a Shorts Tucano - only one, because I will convert the Cessna 337 into a Spectrum SA-550 - which is this:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Spectrum_SA-550.jpg)
This was powered by a single turboprop pusher, more powerful than the combined former piston engines. The best-known of these conversions are six former O-2s (nicknamed "Pelican" for obvious reasons) operated by the USN for artillery ranging duties:
(https://www.unols.org/sites/default/files/styles/content-slideshow/public/slideshows/Pelican%26Otter_652X217.jpg?itok=7j8pRGWz)
Work started immediately yesterday evening, with the interior and already some external components like the wings and the outriggers. The kit comes with two optional right fuselage halves - a standard hull and one with additional observation windows, very handy for police duties. In the cabin I omitted the rear seats and added an auxiliary tank for long patrols (but maybe it's rather a coffee bunker to keep the crew awake... :rolleyes:).
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50995792447_75cd6f87ea_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGjLqP)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGjLqP) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50995676591_a1b605813a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGjaZi)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGjaZi) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The cockpit received a (horribly Nineties-style) dark blue interior, since it is supposed to be a converted former private aircraft now in police service.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50994981973_d01d0dd72e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGfBv8)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGfBv8) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
And here's the crew: Joe and John from L.A.:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50995676751_30a56767ae_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGjb34)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGjb34) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Cessna 336 has fixed gear, the 337 has retractable gear.
I know (and the 336 should be shorter, too), but the kit is supposed to be a T337, so there's something fishy about it... :o
Day #2 with progress around the cabin. The resin prop has been assembled and it received my standard metal axis/styrene tube arrangement, so that it can be mounted seperately and spin freely.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50999088987_eab68cfcc4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGBEnH)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGBEnH) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
John and Joe found their place inside of the cabin (tight, but they fit in well), and the nose was filled with as much lead beads as possible. While there is not much tail volume, both tail booms are massive styrene, as are the wings, too.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50999089097_555b45a098_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGBEpB)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGBEpB) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The fuselage halves were closed - or at least I tried it. Fit of these two parts is rather abysmal, there are even bulges along the spinal seam from a poor mold. Additionally, the clear parts turned out to be streaky, and the windscreen is a kind of brick with tons of flas but a hole at one side, where the piece has not been fully molded. :-\
On the positive side, I was happy to find a donor nose that fits almots perfectly: a radome from a Hasegawa RA-5C! I rather expected that I would have had to sculpt the nose from scratch with lots of 2C and normal putty, but the Vigilante nose (still with several layers of old paint from former lifes...), with a slightly "blunted" tip looks and fits well. :lol:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50998968581_d3b3c9b6cd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGB3zK)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGB3zK) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
PSR started next, blending the nose onto the hull is still a major feat. The propeller mounted has been glued into place, too, but its fit is just as horrible as the fuselage halves. In parallel, work on the wings proceeds, and I will enlarge the dorsal air scoop for the turboprop engine, with just a 1.5mm styrene sheet added on top of the molded intake fairing and blended into it with more PSR.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50998968666_d028dea259_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGB3Bd)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGB3Bd) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
So far, things go on quite well, even though I had hoped for a better fit of everything. The kit reminds me of the vintage 1:100 airliners from the GDR's VEB Plasticart - similar material and overall quaility!
Coming along nicely. :thumbsup:
And the new nosecone could take more ballast, yes?
Both the space in front of the dashboard as well as the RA-5C nose are filled with as much lead as possible. ;)
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on March 03, 2021, 01:12:40 AM
Both the space in front of the dashboard as well as the RA-5C nose are filled with as much lead as possible. ;)
Good Plan! :thumbsup:
BTW - I thought that the "Peilican" Skymaster was already weird, but then I came across THIS turboprop conversion of the Cessna 337 (probably called "Stinger")!
(https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/data/attachments/116/116376-92fb4e296dd4000b52f870bce5ee3b98.jpg)
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on March 03, 2021, 01:36:00 AM
BTW - I thought that the "Peilican" Skymaster was already weird, but then I came across THIS turboprop conversion of the Cessna 337 (probably called "Stinger")!
(https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/data/attachments/116/116376-92fb4e296dd4000b52f870bce5ee3b98.jpg)
Called the Conroy Stolifter.
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/the-conroy-stolifter.32140/
Looks similar to the proposed Civil Bronco. Variations on a theme.
Hmm, I have a spare O-2 kit...
Thanks for the find, Mr Fugu
Wow that tractor turboprop is ugly in shape and colour's.
Day #3 saw major assemblies. Did I mention that nothing really fits? The only consolation I have that other builders recognized this special feature of the Eidai Cessna 337, too. But it's a fight with the elements.
However, here the wings with the booms are in place, as well as the enlarged dorsal air intake...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51002547462_2d7f4ca272_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGVosA)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGVosA) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
...and finally connected with the stablizer, which does not fit well. :rolleyes:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51002547537_166efaa97f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGVotT)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGVotT) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Later I added the landing gear; I will use the OOB spatted parts, because it looks so odd and this must have been a conversion option for the 337 because I have found some pictures of machines in this outfit. However, funny thing is that the Eidai/Arii O-2 kit only comes with these wheels, too...! In front of the front wheel you can also already see a fairing for a small camera pod.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51002430746_d2d2b7bcf9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGUMLf)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGUMLf) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51002547727_8979cf4197_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGVoxa)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGVoxa) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Assembly comes to a close, with some antennae added to the hull. And I will add winglets to the wing tips - another late upgrade for the 337 which comes in various shapes and sizes. Just adds to the modernized look of the aircraft.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51001726963_dd54cd3179_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGRby4)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGRby4) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The fiddly winglets (small canted fins will be added underneath, too) will take some time, but, after closing the cockpit with the ill-fitting, streaky windscreen, painting may start today.
For a less-than-co-operative kit, the build's coming along well, Dizzy! :thumbsup:
Agreed! :thumbsup:
Quote from: Old Wombat on March 04, 2021, 01:03:11 AM
For a less-than-co-operative kit, the build's coming along well, Dizzy! :thumbsup:
Just do NOT take a closer look! BTW, here's a look at the eventual winglet configuration. Some PSR still to do, but I think it adds a nice twist beyond the ordinary?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51001976698_a1687ff2f3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGSsMQ)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGSsMQ) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
This is looking fantastic!
Here's a look at the dreaded windscreen, dry-fitted into place. Pls. note that I already tried to polish it, the gaps to the fuselage and the poorly molded hole at the side. BTW., did I mention that the kit's fit is poor...?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51003082471_1cbc2e4fcb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kGY8uT)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kGY8uT) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
I'll try to mend the worst gaps with white glue, and then painting might start soon.
Dizzy, watch-repair folks have a clear cement - might that not work for you? I have no idea where to get any, sorry, but knowing it's out there is, I hope, helpful?
Thanks for the tip - the white glue and some paint to cover the worst things will do. And with a special clear glue, these repairs woudl certainly stand out on the blurry surroundings... ;)
I DO like the look of that Thomas. :thumbsup:
I've always liked the 336/337 line anyway, but your version looks REALLY good, specially the MD-11 style winglets.
Agree it's looking good. :thumbsup:
That canopy fit is terrible! Would you be better to try to find another part from Spares?
Might be easier than fiddling and fettling and filling to get that one to fit.
Well, this kind of clear parts is not in great supply, and I stuck with it. However, day #4 eventually brought the lethal mess that I had been waiting for: paint(ing) horrors. The aircraft receives a black/white livery, inspired by the LAPD's RW heli schemes, and I started with the white yesterday - using a fresh tin with Humbrol 22, because I wanted to put as little paint onto the small model as possible. But then...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51005297551_e069e662c7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kHatXV)
The horror with contemporary Humbrol enamel paints... (https://flic.kr/p/2kHatXV) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The brand new 22 that cured into a horrible ivory - even though the paint and its pigments were/are white inside of the tin, everything looked fine on the brush and when freshly applied! But the more the stuff dried, the more yellow it turned, to a point that you cannot talk about white anymore. Must IMHO be the solvent that causes this mess - in the picture above a Humbrol 34 (Matt White) and to the left a Revell 301 (Semi-matt White) as reference. While the 34 is already a tad yellow-ish, the Revell tone is a rather pure (and stable!) white. Sh!t... :-/
I tried to overpaint the mess, but this caused reactions and cracks, so that I had to partly wipe off (or try to do that) the enamel from the model. I do not have to emphasize that this left a horrible surface finish on the already uneven model. Big sh!t. So I tried to prepare the undergorund as good as possible and now added a coat with Revell 301, even though it's a gooey stuff that either leaves streaks or does not cover well. It's run running well at the moment. :angry:
As they say:
https://tenor.com/view/star-trek-patrick-stewart-captain-jean-luc-picard-facepalm-disappointed-gif-15875951
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcPDHkX1qWA
Yup. :-\
Quote from: Rick Lowe on March 05, 2021, 12:12:19 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcPDHkX1qWA
This one was followed by this one;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ_fXybPq1Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ_fXybPq1Q)
Which I think may be equally apt (including Stephen Fry's snickering). ;)
A look at the aftermath - I try to ignore the damage and paint flaws and just stumble on, with black decal stripes (instead of masking tape with the risk of even more messy paint accidents... :rolleyes:) to mark the upcoming black contrast areas:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51004912528_111944f30a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kH8vvA)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kH8vvA) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Quote from: Old Wombat on March 05, 2021, 01:09:52 AM
Quote from: Rick Lowe on March 05, 2021, 12:12:19 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcPDHkX1qWA
This one was followed by this one;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ_fXybPq1Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ_fXybPq1Q)
Which I think may be equally apt (including Stephen Fry's snickering). ;)
Indeed! I was snickering my ownself! ;D
Dizzy, I hope you can salvage things without stripping it back.
Day #5, with stubborn progress, ignoring the mess... Maybe some flashing lights on the roof would distract? BTW, black comes gradually into play, and this looks pretty good:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51006556997_5224839829_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kHgWmv)1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kHgWmv) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51005745433_7166e60edf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kHcM72)1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kHcM72) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51006449551_486b23acd9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kHgopZ)1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kHgopZ) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The tail surfaces are still unpainted, because I was not certain whether to adapt the LAPD heli scheme (all-black tail) or not - but I will probably rather stick with all-white surfaces, as seen in the interim photos above, for some better contrast.
In parallel, the propeller:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51006557102_ae8b1d8292_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kHgWoj)1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kHgWoj) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Looking good!
Thank you, but it's IMHO relative. :-\ However, after sleeping a night over the tail I settled for extending the black onto the fins while the stabilizer will become white, as a compromise. With white fins the whole aircraft would have had a rather zebra-esque look, with questionable black booms, and a black stabilizer would have made it look too murky. Due to the glossy Humbrol paint things move ahead at glacial speed.
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on March 06, 2021, 01:20:28 AM
Due to the glossy Humbrol paint things move ahead at glacial speed.
I was wondering why you weren't onto your third build ... Now I know! ;D
Quote from: Old Wombat on March 06, 2021, 02:31:26 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on March 06, 2021, 01:20:28 AM
Due to the glossy Humbrol paint things move ahead at glacial speed.
I was wondering why you weren't onto your third build ... Now I know! ;D
Unless he is, but isn't telling us.
Dizzy, have you never thought of switching to acrylics?
Apart from fast drying, no smells, I think they have also finer pigments, less build-up of paint thickness.
I am quite happy with Vallejo and Lifecolor.
I use some acrylics, but still prefer enamels because I have a better feeling for what I can do with them.
BTW, progress remains at glacial pace, just finished painting the stabilizer in white and will apply a light black ink washing to emphasize some of the remaining surface details. Also re-painted the propeller, since the pinkish Humbrol 22 on the blades looked rather disappointing. :-\
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on March 07, 2021, 03:32:27 AM
BTW, progress remains at glacial pace
is that a Dizzy glacial pace or a regular whiffer's glacial pace? :rolleyes:
Quote from: kitbasher on March 07, 2021, 06:44:11 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on March 07, 2021, 03:32:27 AM
BTW, progress remains at glacial pace
is that a Dizzy glacial pace or a regular whiffer's glacial pace? :rolleyes:
A Dizzy glacial pace. :rolleyes: ;)
Quote from: Old Wombat on March 07, 2021, 09:14:18 AM
Quote from: kitbasher on March 07, 2021, 06:44:11 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on March 07, 2021, 03:32:27 AM
BTW, progress remains at glacial pace
is that a Dizzy glacial pace or a regular whiffer's glacial pace? :rolleyes:
A Dizzy glacial pace. :rolleyes: ;)
So it's a relative term, then...
Yesterday (Day #7) saw decals and finishing touches. In order to distract from the messy areas I added grey walkways and huge "L-A-P-D" letters under the wings, and with the markings the aircraft looks much better now. I also added white pinstripes in front of the windscreen as borders for a matt anti-glare panel on the otherwise semi-glossy aircraft.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51015249882_01403eb5f3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJ3urQ)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kJ3urQ) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51014435383_33fe5e249b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kHYjjK)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kHYjjK) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51015161101_4b2491a49d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJ3348)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) - WiP (https://flic.kr/p/2kJ3348) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Beauty pic session approaching... <_<
That's looking marvellous Dizz.
I built an Arii Cessna 172 which had the same issue with the clear parts so it is obviously a problem for them. Not with their car kits though IME. The ones i've built had lovely crystal clear "glass".
Thank you! I guess the fit and clear parts issue is an Eidai heritage, since Arii only did a re-badging/-boxing of the kit. But the flaws persist until today... :-\
Is there any connection between the ARII and Airfix Skymasters?
Have always wanted to build one of the latter. Buying one would help, I guess!
These must be separate molds, AFAIK.
That looks REALLY smart in that scheme Thomas, and the long nose with the pinstripes makes it. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I concur with Fred & Kit, really good work, Dizzy! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thanks a lot. Yes, I found the solid black nose to look a bit goofy. The matt anti-glare panel was already settled, but then I tried the white stripes and I think it makes the aircraft look a little more slender/elegant.
Strange that it's called a Spectrum when it's black an white! ;D :angel: Makes a surprisingly big difference to the O-2, good work. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Mossie on March 08, 2021, 06:08:06 AM
Strange that it's called a Spectrum when it's black an white! ;D :angel:
It makes more sense if you can see in ultraviolet :wacko:
It's certainly looking good :thumbsup:
Thank you! Photo session completed, editing starts tomorrow.
So, here we are: a "Pelican" Cessna 337. ;D
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019301941_3ab35d6140_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfYV)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfYV) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019396847_5c5c4ba185_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpKce)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpKce) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51018570373_5de1bc33a5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJkvvF)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJkvvF) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019395527_928f78b7a1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpJNt)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpJNt) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
Some background:
The Cessna Model 336 and 337 "Skymaster" were American twin-engine civil utility aircraft built in a unique push-pull configuration. Their engines were mounted in the nose and rear of its pod-style fuselage. Twin booms extended aft of the wings to the vertical stabilizers, with the rear engine between them. The horizontal stabilizer was aft of the pusher propeller, mounted between and connecting the two booms.
The first Skymaster, Model 336, had fixed landing gear and initially flew on February 28, 1961. It went into production in May 1963 with 195 being produced through mid-1964. In February 1965, Cessna introduced the larger Model 337 Super Skymaster with more powerful engines, retractable landing gear, and a dorsal air scoop for the rear engine (the "Super" prefix was subsequently dropped from the name). In 1966, the turbocharged T337 was introduced, and in 1973, the pressurized P337G entered production.
>(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019301711_64ed5270ac_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfUX)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfUX) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019301401_1927e5f46c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfPB)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfPB) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019302051_21f3d96b00_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpg1P)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpg1P) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51018572498_8dfed376b8_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJkw9j)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJkw9j) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
The type was very prolific and Cessna built 2.993 Skymasters of all variants, including 513 military O-2 (nicknamed "Oscar Deuce") versions from 1967 onwards. The latter featured underwing ordnance hard points to hold unguided rockets, gun pods or flares, and served in the forward air control (FAC) role and psychological operations (PSYOPS) by the US military between 1967 and 2010. Production in America ended in 1982, but was continued by Reims in France, with the FTB337 STOL and the military FTMA "Milirole".
Both civil and military Cessna 336/337 version had long service careers, and some were considerably modified for new operators and uses. Among the most drastic conversions was the Spectrum SA-550, built by Spectrum Aircraft Corporation of Van Nuys, California, in the mid-1980s: Spectrum took the 336/337 airframe and removed the front engine, lengthened the nose to maintain the center of gravity, and replaced the rear piston engine with a pusher turboprop which offered more power than the combined pair of original petrol engines. The Spectrum SA-550 conversion also came together with an optional modernization package that prolonged the airframes' service life, so that modified machines could well serve on for 20 years or more.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019300376_398ef85426_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfvW)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfvW) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019299571_067325661e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfh4)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfh4) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51018570798_733349c435_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJkvD1)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJkvD1) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019395262_17ebaf9eef_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpJHU)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpJHU) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
This drastic conversion was executed for both military and civil operators. The best-known military SA-550s were six former USAF O-2A airframes, which had been transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1983 for use as range controllers with VA-122 at NAS Lemoore, California. These aircraft were operationally nicknamed "Pelican", due to the characteristic new nose shape, and the name unofficially caught on.
However, the SA-550 package was only adopted sporadically by private operators, but it became quite popular among several major police and fire departments. Typical duties for these machines included border/drug patrol, surveillance/observation duties (e.g. traffic, forest fire) and special tasks, including drug interdiction as well for SAR missions and undercover operations like narcotics and serialized criminal investigations. Some SA-550s were accordingly modified and individually outfitted with suitable sensors, including IR/low light cameras, searchlights, and internal auxiliary tanks. None were armed, even though some aircraft featured underwing hardpoints for external extra tanks, flare dispensers for nocturnal operations or smoke charge dispensers for ground target marking to guide water bombers to hidden forest fires.
The type's versatility, low noise level, high travel speed and good loitering time in the operational area at low speed proved to be vital assets for these public service operators and justified its relatively high maintenance costs. A handful of the modernized Spectrum SA-550 machines were still in active service after the Millennium, primarily in the USA.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019396557_2507511a80_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpK7e)
:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpK7e) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019397522_8f8aceebaf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpKoS)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpKoS) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019394592_e55c9b4709_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpJwm)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpJwm) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51018570028_3b483dd909_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJkvpJ)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJkvpJ) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
General characteristics:
Crew: 1 + 3 passengers (up to 5 passengers possible in special seat configuration)
Length: 32 ft 6½ in (9.94 m)
Wingspan: 38 ft ¾ in (11.62 m)
Height: 9 ft 2 in (2.79 m)
Wing area: 201 sq ft (18.81 m²)
Aspect ratio: 7.18:1
Airfoil: NACA 2412 at root, NACA 2409 at tip
Empty weight: 2,655 lb (1,204 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 4,400 lb (1,996 kg)
Fuel capacity: 92 US gal (77 imp gal; 350 l) normal,
128 US gal (107 imp gal; 480 l) with auxiliary tank
in the cabin instead of two passenger seats
Powerplant:
1× Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 turboprop engine, delivering 550 shp (410 kW) and
driving a four-blade McCauley fully-feathering, constant-speed propeller, 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) diameter
Performance:
Maximum speed: 199 mph (320 km/h, 173 kn) at sea level
Cruise speed: 144 mph (232 km/h, 125 kn) at 10,000 ft (3,000 m) (econ cruise)
Stall speed: 69 mph (111 km/h, 60 kn)
Range: 1421 mi (2.288 km, 1.243 nmi) at 10.000 ft (3.050 m) altitude and economy cruise
Service ceiling: 19,500 ft (5,900 m)
Rate of climb: 1,200 ft/min (6.1 m/s)
Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15m): 1,545 ft (471 m)
Landing distance from 50 ft (15m): 1,650 ft (500 m)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51018571428_2b3ee1068f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJkvPS)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJkvPS) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019301006_9094ab4f55_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfGN)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfGN) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019300711_3baf9ede17_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfBH)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpfBH) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51019396257_95007c34e5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpK24)
1:72 Spectrum SA-550 (modified Cessna 337) "Pelican"; aircraft "N669PD" of the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division, Special Flight Section (SFS); California (USA), 2001 (What-if/modified Arii kit) (https://flic.kr/p/2kJpK24) by Dizzyfugu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dizzyfugu/), on Flickr
A challenging build due to the Arii kit's rather poor basis, the massive rhinoplasty and the crisp paint scheme. However, I like the result – what-if models do not always have to be armed military vehicles, there's potential in other genres, too. And this mono-engine "Pelican" Skymaster plays its role as a "flying eye" in police service credibly and well. However, this was my first and last Eidai kit...
Nice one ! Sure looks the part. Love those cessna's with only the pusher prop.
That does look very smart indeed Thomas. The black and white scheme suits the 337's shape very well, and the long nose and winglets are great additions. Nice one. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Quote from: PR19_Kit on March 09, 2021, 06:19:43 AM
That does look very smart indeed Thomas. The black and white scheme suits the 337's shape very well, and the long nose and winglets are great additions. Nice one. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I second this gentleman! :thumbsup:
Thank you very much! :bow:
:wub: Marvellous twin-boomer! Less usual than a C337! :thumbsup:
Very cool :thumbsup:, nice touch of detail with the winglets, and the nose has something of a Do228 feel to it.
Excellent!
The big nose looks good on it. :thumbsup:
another great piece of work Dizz.
Thank you, too! ;D
That does look good sir :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Very nice! :thumbsup:
And you're right, a whif doesn't have to be Military.
That came out great! I'll keep an eye out for it in the skies over LA.
Some of those aerial backgrounds don't look at all like the LA area. Maybe the LAPD is testing the aircraft outside county limits...
Talking about the old O-2 "suck and blow" reminds me of the story of the two FAC pilots from Davis Monathan AFB who happened to fly too far south and landed in Mexico with the gear up. Had to jack up the aircraft to get the gear down and replace the bent front propeller. I bet there was some a$$ chewing in the CO's office!
Quote from: frank2056 on March 11, 2021, 08:51:49 PM
Some of those aerial backgrounds don't look at all like the LA area. Maybe the LAPD is testing the aircraft outside county limits...
That's true - my background resources are limited at the moment due to Covid19 lockdown(s), so I had to make and do with what I have in stock. I had preferred to be more specific, including some serious traffic jams around LA and more city sights, but Plan B had to suffice. For instance, one of the flight pics shows Mexico City... :rolleyes:
Ahhhh yeah!!! That's kickass, bruh!! Makes all the sense, too... I bet I could post this around and convince people they used it. ;D Good to see a nice civvie bird built up, too. I love the little Arii kits. Embarrassingly, I haven't even started mine. :rolleyes: As often is the case, your outstanding work has inspired a couple ideas of my own that I can incorporate into my build so perhaps it's a good thing stupid stuff like doing taxes has delayed me. :angel: Great work!
Thank you, glad you like it - despite its severe clear parts flaws. ;D
Thank you very much for inspiration! :wub: :thumbsup:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51028480187_eaa8807c7f.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kKdimx)Cessna Skymaster LAPD (https://flic.kr/p/2kKdimx) by ilmib (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93154862@N08/), su Flickr
Nice! :lol:
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on March 12, 2021, 12:30:30 AM
Thank you, glad you like it - despite its severe clear parts flaws. ;D
That's what I'm dreading with mine... it's almost possible to replace the side windows but the wind screen is more problematic. I'll just dunk everything in Future and let it ride but it's too bad there isn't an aftermarket alternative. I remember building the Bonanza and it was the same way. It was one of the first aircraft I had built since being a little kid and even though I was "new" back to the hobby I could tell that the windows were rather crappy. ;D
How about using from an Airfix O-2?
OK, you then end up with a windscreen-less O-2, but you would have a better 336.
My Arii build is going to be the 172. Any alternatives for that one?
Hmmm... ya know... I bought some plastic spoons the other day that are miles clearer (and thinner!) than many clear kit pieces I've seen.... If I could just find a way to cut it properly in a section that matches up with the original..... :unsure:
Nice work, it looks very convincing :thumbsup:
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on March 11, 2021, 11:10:37 PM
That's true - my background resources are limited at the moment due to Covid19 lockdown(s), so I had to make and do with what I have in stock. I had preferred to be more specific, including some serious traffic jams around LA and more city sights, but Plan B had to suffice. For instance, one of the flight pics shows Mexico City... :rolleyes:
This would look good:
(https://www.shorelineaviation.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Los-Angeles-Private-Air-Charter-Flights-728x424.jpg)
I can
literally see my current place and my new place in this picture:
(https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/aerial-view-westwood-village-california-26556340.jpg)
Beauty! And I've had the same idea for years - a PT-6 in the rear and get rid of the engine up front. :thumbsup:
Quote from: PR19_Kit on March 12, 2021, 01:29:02 PM
How about using from an Airfix O-2?
OK, you then end up with a windscreen-less O-2, but you would have a better 336.
After a house-move I found my Cessna O-2 missing its windshield. Evidently it evaporated or transitioned to the 4th dimension ...
I made a new one from cellophane tape. Not spot-on accurate, but it denied the spiders acess and was close enough for me.
I washed off the stick-um with cold water, and put a line of cement around the edges of the windshield hole. I let the glue sit for a moment, to soften the plastic and get all gooey. Then I just put the tape in place, holding the edges in the glue with an exacto blade - and it worked!
I was surprised it did, but desperation is the mother of invention, as I say. ;)
Here's the plan view - the red is my cut / glue line. the tape was the same, the colours are to show the orientation of the three strips.
(https://i.imgur.com/mYSkAAj.png)
That's inventive..... I would have figured the tape would be too "stiff" to do curves and stuff and crease or something. I'm going to take note of your nifty technique.